(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Gordon Harrison Austin, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating as Commander, East North American Air Defense (NORAD) Region and FIRST Air Force, from 1965 to 1966. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Austin culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
325th Fighter GroupAction Date:
World War II
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Gordon Harrison Austin, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 325th Fighter Group, in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralDivision:
Headquarters, Allied Air Forces Central EuropeAction Date:
1962 – 1965
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Gordon Harrison Austin, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Allied Air Forces Central Europe, from 1962 to 1965. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Austin and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
325th Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
May 20, 1943
Headquarters, Northwest African Strategic Air Force, General Orders No. 41 (August 18, 1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Gordon Harrison Austin (ASN: 0-20161), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane and as Commanding Officer of the 325th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on 20 May 1943. On that date, Lieutenant Colonel Austin was leading his fighter group as escort for a formation of bomber planes headed for a target in the Mediterranean area. En route to their target, Colonel Austin’s group of four fighter planes was attacked by ten enemy fighters. Although greatly outnumbered, Lieutenant Colonel Austin courageously and fearlessly turned into the enemy and drove them off. A short while later he spotted four German transport planes, and his group destroyed all of them, Lieutenant Colonel Austin shooting down one of them himself. This action was followed by an attack on an enemy radio station that was left in flames. By his courage and coolness under the most adverse conditions, Lieutenant Colonel Auston has upheld the highest traditions of military service, and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.